Hair comb

1890-1925

Measurements

6-1/8 in x 4-1/8 in x 1-1/4 in

Materials

Celluloid, rhinestones (artificial gemstones)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation

Accession Number

2017.40

Inscription

An unidentified maker's mark is on the back.

Comments

This hair comb is made of celluloid, an early form of plastic invented in the mid-19th century. Related patents were filed in the 1860s. Early uses of the material included billiard balls, formerly turned from ivory.  Celluloid was soon adapted for all kinds of uses, often to imitate expensive materials such as tortoiseshell and ivory.

This comb has a light piece of celluloid attached to a dark one.  The pieces are cut to shape, colored, and decorated with rhinestones to form an elaborate headpiece.  The smooth prongs were intended to slide easily into and decorate a woman’s hairstyling, rather than hold it in place.

Unfortunately, the comb does not have a history of ownership.  Similarly, the maker’s mark is unidentified.